Take a moment to read the entire chapter of Exodus 30 before reading the devotional below.
Handwashing has been saving lives for thousands of years, long before anyone knew about germs. Today’s chapter describes the various daily and yearly rituals that Aaron and the priests must do. There is a sense of rhythm as you read the chapter — I can picture Aaron and the other priests lighting lamps and burning incense daily just as God instructed. Daily routines have a calming impact on us all.
Two phrases stuck out to me in this passage: “I will meet you there” and “from generation to generation.” God is making a promise to his people. He shows up where he says he will show up. He’s also thinking long-term. This is not a temporary plan for the desert journey. No, these plans will be followed for generations of priests. God is in this for the long haul.
Here’s your freedom for today: God hasn’t given up yet. He’s still pursuing people. He’s pursuing you. He sent Jesus to open up the doors so that both the Israelites and the non-Jewish people around the world could have access to God. He continues to meet us in our daily rituals — quiet morning prayer over tea, reflecting on a Bible passage and devotional before bed, or entering into corporate worship on a Sunday. God is still showing up and he will keep showing up until his victory is finished. He’ll meet you today and every day when you set yourself apart for him.